Spurs in talks for “perfect” £66m winger

An old footballing adage says that an attack might win you games, but a defence will win you titles. Tottenham Hotspur are applying that mantra with a different goal in mind.

For Roberto De Zerbi‘s side, the first port of call this summer is to strengthen at the back, shoring up a porous defence that nearly caved in this season and saw the Londoners relegated from the Premier League.

The goal is to rediscover some elusive stability and end this interminable battle against relegation. Spurs have recorded back-to-back 17th-place finishes in the Premier League, and came within a whisker of the drop this term.

Marcos Senesi and Andy Robertson are expected to join the Londoners when their respective contracts expire at the end of the month, and an opening offer has been tabled for Brighton’s Jan Paul van Hecke.

Spurs in talks to sign new forward

There’s a degree of pragmatism about Tottenham’s early transfer business this summer, but that’s understandable. That’s also not to say that ENIC aren’t pushing to revamp De Zerbi’s frontline.

Last summer, Manchester City’s Savinho was the subject of a £60m offer from N17. It fell flat, but after a bit-part campaign, the Brazilian is eager to build himself back up, and Spurs’ lengthy efforts could see them complete a deal.

Randal Kolo Muani has left at the end of his disappointing loan spell, and Richarlison’s future is uncertain too. However, Savinho isn’t the only one on Johan Lange’s radar.

According to Sports Boom, Tottenham have held talks with the agent of Real Sociedad winger Ander Barrenetxea over a possible transfer this summer. The 24-year-old is eager to take the next step in his career, keen on the Premier League.

It’s not going to be easy. Barrenetxea’s contract contains a €75m (£66m) release clause, and Sociedad want it paid in full. Arsenal and Aston Villa are also pushing, though, and Spurs would secure a top talent in the Spain star.

Barrenetxea could be better than Savinho for Spurs

Barrenetxea lifted the Copa del Rey trophy a couple of month ago, and it was him who scored the opening goal, not even one minute in. There he crowned his Real Sociedad career, marking a potentially perfect end that could see him take the next step and move to Tottenham in the Premier League.

Hailed for his “perfect” crossing ability, Barrenetxea would add a much needed creative dimension down the left channel, forming a dynamic partnership with Mohammed Kudus on the right.

He might not be the most prolific attacking midfielder on the block, but he is slick and stylish on the ball, eager to get stuck in and win duels against opponents too.

Likewise, Savinho has a lot about him, and is undoubtedly a winger worth pursuing, but if it boils down to one signing, it’s clear that Spurs need to press for Barrenetxea, who is older and wiser and coming off the back of an impressive campaign. He would bring a similar style, fleet-footed and creative, but with a higher chance of making an instant impact.

Barrenetxea has a few years on Savinho, who has not played regular football across the past year, but there’s a case to be made that the Spaniard would be the better pick. Certainly, his performances over the past year suggest that he has what it takes to lead the Spurs revival.

Tottenham have shrewdly tidied up their backline ahead of the opening of the summer window, but now, there is room to sign a winger like Barrenetxea, who could be a game-changer for a side in desperate need of a break.